NATURAL MEDICINE & WELLNESS CENTER

Michael Armentano, N.D.

ARE THERE WAYS TO PREVENT THE FLU THAT ARE SAFER AND MORE EFFECTIVE THAN THE FLU VACCINE?

Why is it that when many people are exposed to someone with the flu, some of those people may get the flu while others do not.  The answer lies in the state of an exposed person's immune system.   If your immune function is optimal your risk of "catching" someone else's flu, cold, or other infectious disease is greatly reduced.  While the flu vaccination has been somewhat effective at lowering the risk of getting influenza, it is not the best solution.  A safer and more effective solution is to naturally boost the immune system.  Immune function is optimal when sleep, diet, stress and exercise are managed properly.  In addition to good lifestyle habits, there are many different supplements that may increase immune function.

Sleep is one of the most important factors in how well your immune system is working.  How much sleep do you need?  Everyone has different requirements but many people need eight or more hours of sleep per night.  You are probably getting enough sleep if you awake refreshed.  That is to say, you are not tired and are ready to get out of bed when you wake up.

Eating a well balanced meal is very important to immune function.  Including plenty of fruits and vegetables and restricting refined carbohydrates is critical.  Studies show that immune function is impaired for several hours after eating sweets and refined carbohydrates.  A high-quality multi-vitamin/mineral supplement is also recommended.

Stress is anything that burdens the body in some way and it significantly decreases immune function.  Stressors can be physical (e.g.: exposure to cold weather), biochemical (e.g.: exposure to allergens), mental (e.g.: too much time at the office), or emotional (e.g.: broken heart, anger, grief).  Most of us carry too much stress in our lives and many of us do not deal with it very well.  Breathing exercises, cardiovascular exercises, yoga, meditation, and a class of botanicals called adaptogens (e.g.: Ginseng) are a few ways to help us cope with stress better.  Dr. Armentano's Stress Formula is a synergistic blend of adaptogens to help our bodies better handle stress and optimize immune function.

Homeopathic remedies may be helpful.  One can take flu nosode drops or other homeopathic remedies to increase resistance to the flu.  Nutritional supplements such as vitamin C and zinc will support the immune system while vitamin A has an antiviral effect.

Combining adequate sleep, proper nutrition, stress management, exercise, and supplements will go a long way to boosting your immune system.  We may not be able to shield ourselves from exposure to the flu, but we can give our immune system the edge it needs to prevent us from becoming infected. 

Dr. Armentano uses safe and effective natural therapies without the use of drugs and surgery.  Patients can expect to have an evaluation of their health blocks and stresses, including allergy and hypersensitivity testing.  Some examples of modalities used are herbal medicine, nutritional advice, homeopathy, and other bioenergetic therapies.   This approach allows the body to heal itself naturally from  disease, illness, pain, and stress resulting in a higher state of health and wellness.  Dr. Armentano treats all health conditions in all age groups.  If you would like to arrange for an office consultation to discuss your specific health concerns, please call Dr. Armentano at 203-637-8464 or email him at drarmentano@att.net.

Contact Information

Dr. Michael Armentano, ND

296 Sound Beach Avenue

Old Greenwich, CT  06870

Phone: 203-637-8464

Fax: 203-635-4825

Email: drarmentano@att.net